JEST Camp in Subic: Fun survival training and more
Founded in the 1960s, Jungle Environment Survival Training Camp, otherwise called JEST Camp, dubs itself as a “one-stop shop” where visitors can gain unforgettable experiences, do thrilling activities, and enjoy the most delicious camp food. It is not only a place for adventure but also a training ground for indigenous skills. People can learn how to live and survive in the wilderness and work as one with nature.
IMAGE JEST Camp
One of their most famous training adventures is the Jungle Survival Course wherein you will undertake various challenges that you could not possibly encounter in the city but otherwise quite practical—dealing with mosquitoes or securing your tent amid bad weather. Not only that, but JEST Camp also believes that you will learn responsibility and form a greater respect for the world and other people. Don’t worry—it’s not as grueling as the military! There’s a lot of fun in this survival training. In the end, you may get a recognized professional certification that can inspire you to pursue an occupation in nature education and conservation.
IMAGE JEST Camp
Among the Jungle Survival Courses, you can choose from Survival Bootcamp (extreme jungle survival with 72-hour certification), Wild Child (overnight jungle survival for kids), Camp Craft (survival training and Boton Falls tour with set lunch) or Hunter-Gatherer (overnight jungle survival with certification). Tickets range from Php 450 to Php 1,100 per person.
IMAGE JEST Camp
Other famous attractions at JEST Camp are the Magaul Bird Park, known for its large-scale bird shows. The park also houses a pet café from Japan called The Bird House, the Angry Birds Arena for a real-life experience of the famous mobile game, and the Kawayan Kitchen where you can have a unique experience of eating meals cooked and served in bamboo. The restaurant is open from 8:30 am to 5 pm.
Sinigang na Hipon (shrimp cooked in sour soup, Php 299) — one of Kawayan Kitchen’s special dishes cooked in a bamboo stalk. /IMAGE Kawayan Kitchen
JEST Camp is 15 minutes away by car from the Central Business District of Subic Bay Freeport. You can also use a taxi from the CBD, which may cost around Php 300 for one trip.
Details:
Address: Upper Mau, Cubi-Triboa, Subic Bay Freeport
Contact numbers: 047-252-1489; 0977-093-8435
Operating hours: 8:30 am to 5 pm
Website: jestcamp.com
Facebook page: JEST Camp Subic
Written by Rei Leaño
Images from JEST Camp, Kawayan Kitchen
This first appeared in Philippine Primer Japanese magazine’s June 2018 issue.
